ICO-Teledesic is about to emerge from mandatory quiet period with launch of its first satellite in June that will test communications systems for proposed voice and data service. Industry officials say ICO-Teledesic CEO Craig McCaw wants to be sure system works and prove to potential investors that service is viable before proceeding. System will be tested for months until McCaw is “satisfied no interference exists” that might hurt service, industry source said. New ICO spokesman refused to confirm launch plans, but admitted company would “make a statement” within next 30 days. Spokesman also said New ICO would “wait until the market firms up” before floating IPO.
Wash. Utilities & Transportation Commission (WUTC) can’t conduct 1000-block number pooling trials in 509 area code (Spokane) without further authorization from FCC, agency said. Statement came in March 12 letter to Qwest, which had sought clarification. Agency said it gave WUTC delegated authority for pooling trials in several other area codes after it demonstrated it had met certain criteria. WUTC hasn’t done so yet in 509 area and “would need to petition the FCC, or supplement its previous petition, and make the requisite showing before such authority for the 509 [code] could be granted,” said letter signed by Deputy Common Carrier Bureau Chief Yog Varma.
Rural telcos warned FCC in reply comments filed Mon. that altering Multi-Assn. Group (MAG) plan to reform rural universal service and access charge programs would destroy it. Alliance of Incumbent Rural Independent Telephone Companies (AIRIT), coalition of 90 companies formed after initial comments were filed Feb. 26 on MAG plan, said it was based on finely crafted compromises. They said rural companies bought into plan only if all terms were retained to reflect those compromises: “In good faith, rural companies have generally endorsed the efforts of their various associations to work together to develop a ‘holistic’ plan for change in access charges, the universal service fund and subscriber line charges.” Companies expected FCC to either adopt or reject it, they said. However, many parties since have proposed changing it and rural telcos “must act to protect their rights,” AIRIT said. Comments “clearly demonstrate the intent of other… parties and interest groups to utilize the MAG and RTF [plans] as forums to advance their business agendas as opposed to the public interest,” they said. Telcos said they were even more concerned because alternative Rural Task Force (RTF) plan appeared to be inconsistent with Telecom Act. They said RTF would have to be changed to clarify its “disturbing aspects.” AIRIT said rural telcos were confused about RTF and didn’t realize it had problems: “The consensus reached by the rural industry as reflected in the MAG proposal did not contemplate the implementation of the troubling aspects of the RTF… plan.” Telcos said problem centered on RTF plan to convert universal service funding to per- line basis and make it portable.
National Exchange Carrier Assn. (NECA) told FCC it supported Puerto Rico Telephone Co. (PRTC) request for extension of waiver that lets it remain under rate-of-return regulation and stay in NECA’s common line pool. NECA said waiver would let PRTC continue to receive long-term support, “which is essential to PRTC’s ability to keep rates affordable and, by extension, for long distance carriers to keep toll rates reasonable.” FCC first gave PRTC waiver year ago.
FCC Chmn. Powell and Rep. Dingell (D-Mich.), ranking minority member of House Commerce Committee, are among speakers at Mich. State U.’s 2nd annual Quello Center seminar on telecom policy April 4 at Capital Hilton -- Russ White, 517-432-0923.
Despite sharply divided Commission, FCC Mass Media Bureau approved 32 radio station license transfers in 26 markets, clearing 75% of backlog of long-standing license transfer applications. Approval sparked strong dissenting comments by Comrs. Ness and Tristani, and support by Chmn. Powell and Comr. Furchtgott-Roth. Ness said FCC should have begun systematic review of FCC licensing process at same time that decisions were announced, but Powell said implementation could be reviewed as part of pending rulemaking on radio market definitions. Stations generally were in medium and small markets. NAB Pres. Edward Fritts called announcement of action on radio licenses “welcome news.”
FCC denied TRW waiver request Mon. to provide fixed satellite services on certain channels in 38.6-40 GHz, saying company hadn’t provided sufficient showing to justify grant and requested waiver couldn’t provide relief company wanted.
Mont. Sens. Burns (R) and Baucus (D) sent letter to President Bush pushing Mont. PSC Comr. Bob Rowe (D) appointment to FCC. They said Rowe “is widely respected on both sides of the aisle for his expertise and evenhandedness. His ability to bring people together and move forward would be a great addition to the new team being assembled at the FCC.” Burns and Baucus acknowledged that Senate Commerce Committee ranking Democrat Hollings (S.C.) should get to fill first of 2 expected Democratic openings on Commission, but asked that Rowe be considered for 2nd. That would hurt chances of Andy Levin, staffer for House Commerce Committee ranking Democrat Dingell (Mich.). Sources recently have told us that Levin’s nomination was far from certain, although Dingell had publicly stumped for him.
CTIA said it supported Western Wireless request that FCC give it eligible telecom carrier (ETC) status so it could qualify for universal service funding for service at Pine Ridge Reservation in S.D. CTIA said determining whether FCC had jurisdiction was “balancing test” since primary jurisdiction usually was with state regulators. However, this is clear-cut, CTIA said. Because population of Pine Ridge is “overwhelmingly Native American,” Western Wireless’s service isn’t subject to state jurisdiction, “but is entirely within the scope of the FCC’s authority,” CTIA said. S.D. PUC denied Western Wireless’s request for statewide ETC status but CTIA said this petition was separate from that.
House Telecom Subcommittee Chmn. Upton (R-Mich.) and Senate Commerce Committee ranking Democrat Hollings (S.C.) highlighted differences Mon. between what legislative approaches could be expected this year from party leaders on ownership caps and programming content regulation. Speaking at NAB state leadership conference in Washington, Upton also said he opposed White House proposal (CD March 2 p1) to require lease fees for broadcasters keeping analog spectrum beyond 2006 digital TV transition deadline.